Abstract The paper studies the history of James Braid , the father of hypnotism. It shows how his interest in the field began with a mesmerist named Lafontaine, and developed into his own research. The author of the paper shows how Braid discovered that a hypnotic state could be induced by fixating the eyes on a single moving object placed in a position such that the muscles of the eye become fatigued, and how Braid's findings influenced many psychologists, including Sigmund Freud. The author shows too, how, after Braid's death in 1860, his influence faded, and only his book Neurypnology remains to carry on his ideas.
From the Paper "Besides hypnotism, I found no other reference to James Braid. He may not have done anything else of importance in his career, but his accomplishments changed psychology in many ways: the concepts of sleeping and unconsciousness, the minds' control over the body, pain control, and subconscious thought. I find it uphauling that crackpots like Mesmer receive so much more recognition than Braid does. Mesmer may have made some interesting discoveries, but they were accidents - products of theatrical showboating. Braid made real contributions, but only faded into history. He may not have been extravagant, but his research formed the groundwork for many psychologists to come."
Defines and explains Status Float and the Rastafari Movement in order to explain how the wearing of dreadlocks is an example of the "Status Float Phenomenon".
2,400 words (approx. 9.6 pages), 9 sources, 2002, $ 89.95
Abstract The wearing of dreadlocks is typical of members of the Rastafari Movement. This hairstyle has spread from members of this religious sect to become a popular and fashionable style in the general population. In order to understand the diffusion of the dreadlock style as an example of the "Status Float Phenomenon," it is necessary to first define and explain Status Float and to examine the cultural, economic and religious origins of the Rastafari Movement.
